NCCOS Scientist Recognized by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

A scientist from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Matt Kendall, was recognized by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) for his efforts in support of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Team. This project has required considerable cultural connections to native villages and sensitivity to cultural communication and decision-making.

The Fagatele Bay NMS Management Plan proposal, based on NCCOS’ research, provides a creative way to incorporate village needs with the broader program requirements, while remaining responsive to the governor of America Samoa whose administration has been closely involved in the review process. Matt spent several years working closely with the on-site and headquarters sanctuary staff to provide them core scientific information fundamental to the management plan development process. His coordination with ONMS was instrumental for ensuring the NCCOS products developed were on target to meet the Sanctuary needs.

NCCOS worked closely across several federal and territorial agencies and NGOs to incorporate their expertise and data, ensuring a robust and on-target final report, which was unveiled at the October 2011’s US Coral Reef Task Force Meeting in Florida. NCCOS’s Matt Poti and Brian Kinlan were also integral to the development and delivery of this report.